It’s amazing that, more than five years since opening, Spice Emporium still feels quite as relevant as it does. With chic, minimal furnishings, dark wooden tables, and low lounge-style seats, The Westin’s signature spot immediately feels of the minute, despite being a Dubai dining fixture since 2008. The large open kitchen seals the hip credentials, tipping the restaurant over into the kind urban trend territory you’d associate with hottest eating out scenes on the planet. Eschewing earlier French/Asian fusion concepts, today the menu proudly announces seasoned Thai chef Khamphun at the helm, who offers a more traditional take on his homeland’s flavours. The set menus and sharing deals offer the best overview of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and make for good value too. A top Thai option which refuses to tire. Open Sat-Wed 7pm-10.45pm, Thu-Fri 7pm-11.45pm. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, www.spiceemporiumdubai.com (04 511 7136).Bubbalicious brunch: Dhs450 (with soft drinks), Dhs550 (with sparkling), Dhs680 (with bubbly), Dhs225 (children aged six-12), free (children under six). Fri 1pm-4pm.